Kingston, NY (September 22, 2009) - Walkway Over the Hudson’s Official Grand Opening is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2009. The Walkway is the world’s longest pedestrian bridge and its debut to the public marks a very special and historic time for Ulster County and its local communities. While people wait for the gates to open, the Hamlet of Highland will be the scene of “Highland HudsonFest”, a spectacular, free and fun-filled street featuring: a showcase of hamlet merchants, farms, vineyards, restaurants, artists - and more.
There will also be entertainment and activities for kids and families, including: a scarecrow contest; Disney Radio On-Site Entertainment that will include a DJ, and a Rockin’ Road Crew team, tons of games, contests, karaoke and dancing.
“Highland HudsonFest” is scheduled from 12 noon to 10 p.m. and visitors are encouraged to car pool or utilize the Ulster County’s public transportation system; UCAT and the 9W loop. Several parking lots are also available in the Hamlet of Highland.
At “HudsonFest”, prior to the official grand opening of the Walkway, people can watch the V.I.P. festivities on a giant “Jumbotron” screen in the center of town. After they have walked, they can come back to the Hamlet for more food, music and fun as the block party gets underway at 6:00 pm featuring a live band and “Beer Garden” - and lots of food.
Ulster County Executive Mike Hein said, “We are pleased to be able to support our local communities as we celebrate this momentous occasion, The Walkway Over the Hudson is a tremendous asset for our county, our region and our local towns and villages. It will attract hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world and help showcase all that our area has to offer. The Town of Lloyd will serve as the entry point for people crossing the river from the east and the Metro- North train station - and the departure point for those crossing from the west.
Highland HudsonFest is a great way to welcome all of them.” “We are very excited about the first ever HudsonFest in our Hamlet of Highland. I believe that festivals like this offer a unique opportunity to not only bring our community together, but to highlight that which makes this hamlet, valley and region so special. Additionally, it’s an honor for the Hamlet of Highland to be the western gateway to Walkway over the Hudson. This will be a great opportunity for the Hamlet and the Town of Lloyd to demonstrate to thousands of visitors, all that makes this community so vital to the region,” said Town of Lloyd Supervisor Ray Constantino.
